New down and feather entry

Six months and one market since consolidating its basic bedding business under one banner, WestPoint Stevens' Basic Bedding division will roll out a colored and patterned down and feather offering that could usher in a new era of competitiveness in that segment of home textiles.

For its initial down blanket offerings in micro-denier constructions, yarn-dyes and prints will all be offered with retail price points starting at approximately $39.99 and ranging to $69.99. White goods will also be part of the mix.

According to Alan Kennedy, vp, merchandising for the Basic Bedding division, all of the new down offerings herald WestPoint's entry into the down and feather market as a "significant player."

Every WestPoint pillow brand will also be augmented by down and feather offerings. Five Star and Martex branded mattress pads will also be supplemented with white goose down offerings at $59.99 and $39.99, respectively, retail price points for a twin pad. A matelasse mattress pad will also be offered at $29.99 for a twin. Feather beds, too, will be offered to retailers.

Down comforters will also join WestPoint's product mix, with three different types of construction in addition to standard white goods. Like the down blankets, the comforters will be offered in micro-denier, yarn-dyes and prints, with a step-up retail price points starting at $69.99 for a twin size.